Charles Barkley: Voting for Democrats has not helped blacks

Charles Barkley makes his way to the set of ESPN College Game Day outside Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com

It looks like Charles Barkley's move to the GOP - at least for the 2016 presidential race - is all but complete.

The Alabama native and NBA Hall of Famer said Friday that African-Americans have traditionally voted for Democrats but have not seen benefits from the support.

"He's the guy that I'm supporting right now. You know, Dan, it's tough for me to vote for a Republican but he's the guy I'm voting for right now. He's the leader in my clubhouse," Barkley said.

"So you're going to stay Republican?" Patrick asked.

"Ah, well, I vote Democratic most of the time," Barkley said. "But the Democrats don't have a candidate I really like. Neither one of the parties is doing anything for poor people. They're both full of it...Republicans don't do anything for poor people, either. So, I vote for the person I like the most and right now, it's the governor of Ohio."

Barkley also said he liked frontrunner Donald Trump, thoughts that were echoed recently by another sports legend.

Former University of George star and 1982 Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker said he is supporting the business mogul turned politician.

"There's not a doubt in my mind right now he is my frontrunner," Walker told USA Today Sports. "I'm not going to say anything negative about him because it's not true."

Walker was the running back with the USFL's New Jersey Generals when it was owned by Trump. The football great said he supports much of Trump's immigration policies

"When are we going to get back to what's best for this country?" Walker said. "I think that's what's Donald is pushing to do."